What were your reasons for deciding to study your course?

I chose to study Product Design and Innovation as I wanted a career that honed my creative abilities while also providing stability and technical thinking. Graphic Communication, Art & Design, and Business were all my favourite subjects in secondary school, and this course is an amalgamation of all three. Now, as a second-year student, I am loving the course, and I encourage anyone unsure about pursuing a creative path to consider Product Design.

What made you choose Strathclyde for your studies?

Initially, I was drawn to Strathclyde for its reputation for delivering academic excellence throughout all departments. When I attended the open days, the outline of the course really aligned with my interests, where I could feel the strong sense of community within the Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (DMEM). I immediately knew Strathclyde was the place for me.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

In this course, I particularly enjoy the design aspects – having creative freedom in all projects is very gratifying. As the course has progressed, I’ve developed a newfound passion for model making, which has inspired me to consider new career pathways.

How have you found the facilities at Strathclyde, and how have these helped you during your studies?

In Product Design, a significant amount of time will be spent in the workshop. You have access to an abundance of materials, machinery, tools - I would certainly not be able to replicate the same quality of models elsewhere. The workshop has also expanded and refined my modelling capabilities; we are exposed to new ways of designing things, which really helps the idea generation for other modules.

Are you part of any groups or societies, and what has been the benefit of this?

I joined the Powerlifting Club on a whim, and it's probably one of the best decisions I've made. You become part of a new community outside of your course and meet people with similar interests.

How have you found the support of the staff in your Department?

The workshop technicians are one of DMEM’s best resources - they offer great support and have helped me personally with projects I didn’t know how to progress with. The lecturers have also been a delight to work with, and any issues or queries are met with prompt responses.

Have you had any placements or internships during your studies, or had a chance to work on industry projects during your studies?

In 1^st year, all DMEM students were given the opportunity to intern at the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland (NMIS) through an application and interview process. Fortunately, I made it through the application stage, and although I didn’t reach the interview stage, I learned a lot about the industry and gained insight into the projects that are advancing society.

Would you recommend Strathclyde to other people and why?

I would absolutely recommend Strathclyde. Before joining the University, I felt isolated and struggled to fit into social groups. Now, I genuinely feel part of a community where I’m exposed to a wide range of cultures and backgrounds - I’ve certainly found my place.

Any other comments you would like to add?

One of the most common concerns people have when starting university is making friends. I’d like to emphasise the importance of joining clubs and societies you’re even mildly interested in, regardless of whether you’re halfway through semester 1, have no one to go with, or have never tried that sport or activity before. It’s all part of the process.